I saw a neurologist 2 days ago, hoping to find answers to what I had been told was autonomic dysfunction. After a thourough exam and a thorough reading of my past medical records he came to the conclusion that I had autonomic neuropathy, especially in my legs and feet. He also looked at a written report of a CT scan I had done at another hospital and said that, although brain CT scans are not necessarrily reliable, it appears I have had some small strokes, not bad enough to be considered actual strokes. Sounds strange but that is what he said. There appears that there may be some damage from them and he is ordering an MRI to get a better picture of what has happened.
Meanwhile I still have all the same symptoms; disorientation, unsteadiness, nausea, headaches, extreme fatigue, weakness, tremors etc. My blood pressure is still quite high and from day to day it is all over the place as far as the numbers go. I still am not allowed to take any meds for the high BP. My pulse still jumps up whenever I take it, first sitting and then standing for 3 minutes, occasionally by 40 points or more. Is autonomic neuropathy the same as auutonomic dysfunction? I did ask him if there was a possibility that, even with treatment (which there seems not to be much available), if I could just stay the way I am with all my accompanying symptoms. His response was that, yes, it was quite possible.
I have done some internet research, including this site and the Mayo Clinic web site, among others and I get the feeling that, even though there is a slight chance this could go away, it is more propable that it will not. I can deal with that. I just want to know for certain where this is leading. My wife and I have had quite a few discussions and we basically decided that what it will entail is pacing myself, setting priorities and adjusting our life style. There will be things I love to do that I cannot and other things that I can that will be good replacements.
I know I have just written a short story but any thoughts and comments from others will be appreciated. I have only been a member of this forum for a few weeks but have found it very beneficial.
Thanks to you all.